Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-05-28
THE PEOPLES SUNDAY.
An Appeal for Opening the Museums
and Libraries ON That Day.

10 the Editor of TIE EVENING STAR:
IL was an inspiring sight TO see the thousands Of
people breathing the fresh air. as they mingled in
pleasant conversation and listened to beautiful
music on the Smithsonian grounds last Sunday
afternoon. No one but pessimist or bigot could
have seen aught but good In this innocent and
healthful recreation. A close study of the faces
showed plainly the kind OF people who constituted
the throng. They were not the wealthy people OF
the northwest, who own fine eQuipages, In which
they have an abundance OF time to ride all the
week, and to remain at home on Sunday II they
wish Neither were they criminals nor vagabonds,
but they were an orderly well-behaved crowd,
consisting mostly OF gentlemanly workingmen,
clerks and people OF honorable but not plethoric
income, who are confined by their daily tasks and
cut of from outdoor enjoyment or recreation. I
called it glorious sight TO see our American work.
Ing people well dressed orderly and so appre-
ciatve OF nature and music, and say all honor to
the spirits that encourage this useful movement.
But while listening to the alleged ''sacred"
strains (Which would have been much better II
they had been simply "music"-which can be
naugns eise out sacfe9 saw sac commentary airy
traditions and institutions. Looking through the
trees OF the park, saw the statue OF Liberty
which surmountS the National Museum with her
protecting hands outStretched over Justice" and
knowledge" sitting at her feet But the doors to
that museum, the most valuable educational In.
St1tutiOn in America, were locked tightly as If
the 100 600 Inhabitants OF washington, who most
need its privileges, had never existed. 1t is cry
In this city of churches, and focus OF every
maudlin reform, that the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
mechanics clerks and wage-earners OF all kinds
constituting twO-th1rdS OF our population, are alb
SOlutely deprived OF every enlightening benefit OF
our Government, and. instead OF being encouraged
to Instructive aud beneficial leisure, the only
places actually open to them are the drinking
saloons and houses OF prostitution. The museums
and libraries are totally closed to them.
When we consider that these people are the bone
and sinew OF our Government, that upon their ad-
vancement and intelligence depends its pro-
spenty; that their strength IS the wage-earning
energy upon which rests the prosperity OF the
landlord, the tradesman and the professional man,
Is II not shameful that society gives them nothing
in return? What equitable right has our Govern
ment to invest their money In museums and
libraries for the rich and then to lock out the poor
saint into an anarchist when one thinks OF this In
justice.
The wealthy man or churchman who says the
workman should spend his Sundays at home or In
the church Is simply ignorant of the Jaws OF
hygiene and sociology. / have been Journey
man and know what sunday to the workman Is
they need trampS, as do the idle and Sedentary;
nor do they always need sermons, even II some OF
them do descend to earthly things long enough to
teach high ideals and simplicity OF existence He
wants and needs light, refreshing change OF en-
vironment, that IS all, and the young working
man Is too apt to seek 1t In improper places, for
want OF the cheap and useful opportunities which
an artificial society holds from him.
The National Museums should be open on Sum
day, or admit that they have no educational In
terests, but are merely ruse to obtain money
believe concerted action will bring this about.
In New York the Museum of Natural History has
been recently opened on Sundays in response to
the popular demand. In washington the same
result can be brought about. Every labOrer,
work1ngman, or Department clerk in washington
should sign inquest to Prof Baird ar7n to
they should make petition 10 Congress. Who
will lead the movement? II.